1.Integrating Transcriptomics and 3D Organoids to Investigate Mechanism of Periplaneta americana Extract Against Lung Adenocarcinoma
Qiong MA ; Chunxia HUANG ; Jiawei HE ; Yuting BAI ; Xingyue LIU ; Yuxuan XIONG ; Yang ZHONG ; Hengzhou LAI ; Yuling JIANG ; Xueke LI ; Qian WANG ; Yifeng REN ; Xi FU ; Funeng GENG ; Taoqing WU ; Ping XIAO ; Fengming YOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):124-132
ObjectiveTo evaluate the antitumor activity of Periplaneta americana extract(PAE) against human-derived lung adenocarcinoma organoids(LUAD-PDOs) and to elucidate its potential mechanism based on transcriptomics. MethodsFresh tumor and adjacent normal tissues from patients with LUAD were collected to construct LUAD-PDOs and normal lung organoid(Nor-PDOs) models using 3D organoid culture technology. The effective intervention concentration of PAE was determined using the cell counting kit-8(CCK-8) assay. Experimental groups included the model group(LUAD-PDOs), normal group, model administration group(LUAD-PDOs+PAE), and normal administration group(Nor-PDOs+PAE). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological structures of PDOs, immunohistochemistry(IHC) was performed to detect the expressions of the proliferation marker Ki-67 and lung adenocarcinoma differentiation markers cytokeratin-7(CK-7) and Napsin A, TUNEL staining was applied to detect cell apoptosis. RNA sequencing(RNA-Seq) was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs), followed by Gene Ontology(GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis(GSEA), alongside protein-protein interaction(PPI) network analysis to screen core mechanisms. Finally, key targets were validated by integrating external database analysis with immunofluorescence(IF). ResultsNor-PDOs and LUAD-PDOs that highly recapitulated the pathological characteristics of the primary tissues were successfully established. The CCK-8 assay determined that the effective intervention concentration of PAE was 16 g·L-1. Morphological observation showed that Nor-PDOs exhibited lumen-forming structures, whereas LUAD-PDOs displayed dense, solid structures. CCK-8 and TUNEL assays revealed that, compared with the model group, PAE intervention inhibited the proliferation of LUAD-PDOs and promoted apoptosis in LUAD cells, while showing no significant effect on the viability of Nor-PDOs. Transcriptomic analysis identified 719 DEGs that were significantly reversed after PAE intervention(347 up-regulated and 372 down-regulated)(P<0.05). GO enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs in the model administration group were significantly enriched in biological processes related to cell cycle regulation compared to the model group. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that PAE affected pathways related to proliferation and metabolism, including pathways in cancer and the p53 signaling pathway. GSEA further confirmed that PAE significantly enhanced the activity of the p53 signaling pathway(P<0.05). PPI network analysis indicated that breast cancer type 1 susceptibility protein(BRCA1) and checkpoint kinase 1(CHEK1) were the core down-regulated targets in the p53 pathway. IF verified the high expression of BRCA1 and CHEK1 in LUAD-PDOs and their significant downregulation after PAE intervention(P<0.05). Furthermore, survival analysis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) database indicated that low expression of BRCA1 and CHEK1 was significantly associated with prolonged overall survival in patients with LUAD(P<0.05). ConclusionPAE effectively inhibits proliferation of LUAD-PDOs and promotes their apoptosis, its anti-tumor mechanism is potentially associated with the activation of the p53 signaling pathway, with BRCA1 and CHEK1 genes likely serving as key downstream targets for the effects of PAE.
2.Therapeutic effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes on dexamethasone-induced sarcopenia in mice
Weiyuan YUAN ; Qinhui LEI ; Xiuqi LI ; Tiezhu LU ; Ziwen FU ; Zhili LIANG ; Shaoyang JI ; Yijia LI ; Yu REN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):58-67
BACKGROUND:Sarcopenia is an age-related condition characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass,strength,and/or physical function.Currently,effective treatments for sarcopenia remain limited.A new therapeutic approach to improve symptoms and prognosis of sarcopenia patients clinically was important.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes on a dexamethasone-induced sarcopenia in mice.METHODS:Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured from canine adipose tissue,and identified and functionally evaluated through flow cytometry and differentiation assays for osteogenesis,adipogenesis,and chondrogenesis.Subsequently,exosomes from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were extracted and characterized using transmission electron microscopy,western blot assay,and nanocoulter tracking analysis.In vitro,the effects of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes on myotube growth and the expression of muscle atrophy-related genes were investigated using dexamethasone-induced C2C12 myotube atrophy and aging C2C12 models.In vivo,a dexamethasone-induced mouse sarcopenia model was established and received intraperitoneal or intravenous injection of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.Therapeutic efficacy was assessed through mouse rotarod performance,histopathological analysis,and muscle atrophy-related genes testing.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The isolated canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells highly expressed CD73,CD90,and CD105,and lowly expressed MHC-Ⅱ,CD14,CD19,CD34,and CD45,and successfully differentiated into osteoblasts,adipocytes,and chondrocytes in vitro.(2)The adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes met the identification criteria in terms of particle size,electron microscopy morphology,and positive expression of specific markers.(3)Compared to the dexamethasone-induced C2C12 atrophy group,treatment with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes promoted the recovery and growth of myotubes,inhibited the expression of muscle atrophy-related genes MuRF1 and Atrogin-1.(4)Compared to the aging C2C12 group,adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes significantly enhanced the recovery and growth of aged muscle tubes in aging cells.(5)Compared to the control group,the rotarod time in dexamethasone-induced sarcopenia model mice was significantly decreased(P<0.01).After 7 days(P<0.01,P<0.01)and 10 days(P<0.01,P<0.05)of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells treatment via intraperitoneal and intravenous injection,rotarod time was significantly increased,respectively.After 14 days,all treatment groups showed longer rotarod times than the model group,although with no significant differences between them.(6)Compared to the control group,the cross-sectional area of anterior tibial muscle in the model group was significantly reduced(P<0.01),and it was significantly increased after intraperitoneal and intravenous administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells(P<0.05,P<0.01).(7)Compared to the model group,intraperitoneal and intravenous administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of MuRF1 and Atrogin-1 genes(P<0.01,P<0.01,P<0.01,P<0.01).The results indicated that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes promoted recovery and growth of atrophic myotube cells by inhibiting the expression of muscle atrophy-related genes,and both intraperitoneal and intravenous administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells provided good therapeutic effects on sarcopenia in mice.
3.Therapeutic effects of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes on dexamethasone-induced sarcopenia in mice
Weiyuan YUAN ; Qinhui LEI ; Xiuqi LI ; Tiezhu LU ; Ziwen FU ; Zhili LIANG ; Shaoyang JI ; Yijia LI ; Yu REN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):58-67
BACKGROUND:Sarcopenia is an age-related condition characterized by the loss of skeletal muscle mass,strength,and/or physical function.Currently,effective treatments for sarcopenia remain limited.A new therapeutic approach to improve symptoms and prognosis of sarcopenia patients clinically was important.OBJECTIVE:To explore the effects of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes on a dexamethasone-induced sarcopenia in mice.METHODS:Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured from canine adipose tissue,and identified and functionally evaluated through flow cytometry and differentiation assays for osteogenesis,adipogenesis,and chondrogenesis.Subsequently,exosomes from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were extracted and characterized using transmission electron microscopy,western blot assay,and nanocoulter tracking analysis.In vitro,the effects of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes on myotube growth and the expression of muscle atrophy-related genes were investigated using dexamethasone-induced C2C12 myotube atrophy and aging C2C12 models.In vivo,a dexamethasone-induced mouse sarcopenia model was established and received intraperitoneal or intravenous injection of canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.Therapeutic efficacy was assessed through mouse rotarod performance,histopathological analysis,and muscle atrophy-related genes testing.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The isolated canine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells highly expressed CD73,CD90,and CD105,and lowly expressed MHC-Ⅱ,CD14,CD19,CD34,and CD45,and successfully differentiated into osteoblasts,adipocytes,and chondrocytes in vitro.(2)The adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes met the identification criteria in terms of particle size,electron microscopy morphology,and positive expression of specific markers.(3)Compared to the dexamethasone-induced C2C12 atrophy group,treatment with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes promoted the recovery and growth of myotubes,inhibited the expression of muscle atrophy-related genes MuRF1 and Atrogin-1.(4)Compared to the aging C2C12 group,adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes significantly enhanced the recovery and growth of aged muscle tubes in aging cells.(5)Compared to the control group,the rotarod time in dexamethasone-induced sarcopenia model mice was significantly decreased(P<0.01).After 7 days(P<0.01,P<0.01)and 10 days(P<0.01,P<0.05)of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells treatment via intraperitoneal and intravenous injection,rotarod time was significantly increased,respectively.After 14 days,all treatment groups showed longer rotarod times than the model group,although with no significant differences between them.(6)Compared to the control group,the cross-sectional area of anterior tibial muscle in the model group was significantly reduced(P<0.01),and it was significantly increased after intraperitoneal and intravenous administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells(P<0.05,P<0.01).(7)Compared to the model group,intraperitoneal and intravenous administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells significantly inhibited the mRNA expression of MuRF1 and Atrogin-1 genes(P<0.01,P<0.01,P<0.01,P<0.01).The results indicated that adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes promoted recovery and growth of atrophic myotube cells by inhibiting the expression of muscle atrophy-related genes,and both intraperitoneal and intravenous administration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells provided good therapeutic effects on sarcopenia in mice.
4.Analysis of the regulatory effect of Syk on CD36 antibody-mediated thrombocytopenia
Hui REN ; Dawei CHEN ; Yalin LUO ; Wenjie XIA ; Xin YE ; Jiansen HE ; Yaori XU ; Xiuzhang XU ; Yongshui FU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(6):711-717
Objective: To investigate the molecular mechanism of Syk in phagocytosis induced by CD36 antibodies. Methods: In vitro, two CD36 monoclonal antibodies, GZ1 (IgG2a) and GZ4 (IgG1), at different concentrations were co-incubated with platelets from CD36-positive blood donors, and the affinity of the antibodies for platelets was assessed using flow cytometry. CD36 positive platelets from donors were labeled with Red-SE. The GZ1 and GZ4 antibodies were added together with dye-labeled platelets to peripheral blood from blood donors for phagocytosis experiments. The expression of the Spleen Tyrosine Kinase (Syk), P-Syk, P38 MAPK and P-P38 were detected using Western blot(WB). In the in vitro phagocytosis inhibition assay, Fcγ receptor (FcγR) antibodies or Syk inhibitor (R406) were pre-incubated with monocytes prior to performing the phagocytosis experiment. In vivo experiments were performed using female C57BL/6J mice. R406 was administered via intraperitoneal injection, followed by tail vein infusion of GZ1 or GZ4 antibodies. Additionally, a treatment group was set up in which the antibodies were infused first, followed by administration of R406. Changes in platelet counts were analyzed using a blood routine analyzer, and antibody binding to platelets was detected by flow cytometry. Results: GZ1 had higher affinity for CD36positive platelets than GZ4. The phagocytosis rate induced by GZ1 was significantly higher than that of GZ4 [(42.12±2.25)% vs (16.25±6.45)%, P<0.001]. Moreover, GZ1-mediated platelet phagocytosis mainly depends on FcγRⅠ of monocytes, while GZ4-mediated platelet phagocytosis mainly relies on FcγRⅡ of monocytes. WB results showed that the GZ1 group significantly upregulated the expression of Syk and phosphorylated Syk (P-Syk), and induced phosphorylation of the downstream P38 MAPK signaling pathway. Pretreatment of monocytes with R406 inhibited the phagocytosis of antibodyopsonized platelets by monocytes. After injecting GZ1 or GZ4 antibodies into C57BL/6 female mice through the tail vein, GZ1 mAbs had a stronger binding rate to the platelets compared with GZ4 mAbs, leading to a significant decrease in platelet count. After pre-injecting R406 into mice, the platelet count reduction in both the GZ1 and GZ4 groups was alleviated, and the binding rate of antibodies to platelets was also significantly reduced. However, administration of R406 after antibody injection failed to prevent the decrease in platelet counts in mice. Conclusion: This study indicates that Syk plays an important role in the phagocytosis of anti-CD36 opsonized platelets by monocytes/macrophages and is closely associated with the activation of the P38 MAPK signaling pathway.
5.Analysis and Discussion of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Compounds to Improve Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Regulating Cardiomyocyte Pyroptosis
Ying ZHANG ; Chengzhi XIE ; Chang FU ; Jianxun REN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):260-267
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a myocardium-specific microvascular disease caused by diabetes mellitus that impairs the structure and function of the heart. It is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetic individuals. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has extensive clinical experience and precise efficacy in treating DCM, and its multi-target, multi-pathway, multi-component, and low side effect approach can slow the progression of DCM and improve the symptoms while effectively dealing with the complexity and long-term nature of its pathological process. Many recent studies have demonstrated that pyroptosis accompanied by inflammatory response is one of the main types of myocardial injury in DCM, which promotes the development of DCM and is closely related to pathological changes such as oxidative stress, myocardial fibrosis, myocardial hypertrophy, and decreased cardiac function in the course of DCM. These findings also provide a theoretical foundation for future research into potential therapy techniques and intervention mechanisms for DCM. By searching and analyzing relevant literature from several databases, including CNKI, PubMed, Web of Science, Excerpt Medica, Science Direct, and Springer, this study aimed to comprehensively analyze the characteristics of the effects of TCM and compounds in intervening in cardiomyocyte pyroptosis in DCM in recent years and explore the potential mechanisms. It also reveals the potential of effective components of TCM and compounds in preventing and controlling DCM from the standpoint of cardiomyocyte pyroptosis and provides a new way of thinking and more experimental evidence for the clinical application of TCM in treating DCM.
6.Update on the treatment navigation for functional cure of chronic hepatitis B: Expert consensus 2.0
Di WU ; Jia-Horng KAO ; Teerha PIRATVISUTH ; Xiaojing WANG ; Patrick T.F. KENNEDY ; Motoyuki OTSUKA ; Sang Hoon AHN ; Yasuhito TANAKA ; Guiqiang WANG ; Zhenghong YUAN ; Wenhui LI ; Young-Suk LIM ; Junqi NIU ; Fengmin LU ; Wenhong ZHANG ; Zhiliang GAO ; Apichat KAEWDECH ; Meifang HAN ; Weiming YAN ; Hong REN ; Peng HU ; Sainan SHU ; Paul Yien KWO ; Fu-sheng WANG ; Man-Fung YUEN ; Qin NING
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2025;31(Suppl):S134-S164
As new evidence emerges, treatment strategies toward the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B are evolving. In 2019, a panel of national hepatologists published a Consensus Statement on the functional cure of chronic hepatitis B. Currently, an international group of hepatologists has been assembled to evaluate research since the publication of the original consensus, and to collaboratively develop the updated statements. The 2.0 Consensus was aimed to update the original consensus with the latest available studies, and provide a comprehensive overview of the current relevant scientific literatures regarding functional cure of hepatitis B, with a particular focus on issues that are not yet fully clarified. These cover the definition of functional cure of hepatitis B, its mechanisms and barriers, the effective strategies and treatment roadmap to achieve this endpoint, in particular new surrogate biomarkers used to measure efficacy or to predict response, and the appropriate approach to pursuing a functional cure in special populations, the development of emerging antivirals and immunomodulators with potential for curing hepatitis B. The statements are primarily intended to offer international guidance for clinicians in their practice to enhance the functional cure rate of chronic hepatitis B.
7.Knowledge map and visualization analysis of pulmonary nodule/early-stage lung cancer prediction models
Yifeng REN ; Qiong MA ; Hua JIANG ; Xi FU ; Xueke LI ; Wei SHI ; Fengming YOU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(01):100-107
Objective To reveal the scientific output and trends in pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer prediction models. Methods Publications on predictive models of pulmonary nodules/early lung cancer between January 1, 2002 and June 3, 2023 were retrieved and extracted from CNKI, Wanfang, VIP and Web of Science database. CiteSpace 6.1.R3 and VOSviewer 1.6.18 were used to analyze the hotspots and theme trends. Results A marked increase in the number of publications related to pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer prediction models was observed. A total of 12581 authors from 2711 institutions in 64 countries/regions published 2139 documents in 566 academic journals in English. A total of 282 articles from 1256 authors were published in 176 journals in Chinese. The Chinese and English journals which published the most pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer prediction model-related papers were Journal of Clinical Radiology and Frontiers in Oncology, respectively. Chest was the most frequently cited journal. China and the United States were the leading countries in the field of pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer prediction models. The institutions represented by Fudan University had significant academic influence in the field. Analysis of keywords revealed that multi-omics, nomogram, machine learning and artificial intelligence were the current focus of research. Conclusion Over the last two decades, research on risk-prediction models for pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer has attracted increasing attention. Prognosis, machine learning, artificial intelligence, nomogram, and multi-omics technologies are both current hotspots and future trends in this field. In the future, in-depth explorations using different omics should increase the sensitivity and accuracy of pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer prediction models. More high-quality future studies should be conducted to validate the efficacy and safety of pulmonary nodules/early-stage lung cancer prediction models further and reduce the global burden of lung cancer.
8.Recognition of breath odor map of benign and malignant pulmonary nodules and Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome elements based on electronic nose combined with machine learning: An observational study in a single center
Shiyan TAN ; Qiong ZENG ; Hongxia XIANG ; Qian WANG ; Xi FU ; Jiawei HE ; Liting YOU ; Qiong MA ; Fengming YOU ; Yifeng REN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(02):185-193
Objective To explore the recognition capabilities of electronic nose combined with machine learning in identifying the breath odor map of benign and malignant pulmonary nodules and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome elements. Methods The study design was a single-center observational study. General data and four diagnostic information were collected from 108 patients with pulmonary nodules admitted to the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery of Hospital of Chengdu University of TCM from April 2023 to March 2024. The patients' TCM disease location and nature distribution characteristics were analyzed using the syndrome differentiation method. The Cyranose 320 electronic nose was used to collect the odor profiles of oral exhalation, and five machine learning algorithms including random forest (RF), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), and eXtreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) were employed to identify the exhaled breath profiles of benign and malignant pulmonary nodules and different TCM syndromes. Results (1) The common disease locations in pulmonary nodules were ranked in descending order as liver, lung, and kidney; the common disease natures were ranked in descending order as Yin deficiency, phlegm, dampness, Qi stagnation, and blood deficiency. (2) The electronic nose combined with the RF algorithm had the best efficacy in identifying the exhaled breath profiles of benign and malignant pulmonary nodules, with an AUC of 0.91, accuracy of 86.36%, specificity of 75.00%, and sensitivity of 92.85%. (3) The electronic nose combined with RF, LR, or XGBoost algorithms could effectively identify the different TCM disease locations and natures of pulmonary nodules, with classification accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity generally exceeding 80.00%.Conclusion Electronic nose combined with machine learning not only has the potential capabilities to differentiate the benign and malignant pulmonary nodules, but also provides new technologies and methods for the objective diagnosis of TCM syndromes in pulmonary nodules.
9.Promotive effect of high expression of nerve growth factor in Schwan-like cells induced by adipose-derived stem cells on growth of rat dorsal root ganglion cell protrusion
Qinghua ZHU ; Bo YUAN ; Yilun WANG ; Miao REN ; Xiaofei LI ; Simiao WANG ; Zixuan ZHEN ; Xiumei FU
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(4):984-995
Objective:To discuss the promotive effect of nerve growth factor(NGF),which is highly expressed in the adipose-derived stem cell(ADSC)-induced Schwann-like cells(SCLCs),on the growth of dorsal root ganglion(DRG)cell processes in the rats,and to clarify its mechanism.Methods:The ADSCs were extracted from the epididymal adipose tissue of the SD rats,and their multidirectional differentiation potential was identified through osteogenic,adipogenic,and chondrogenic induction.The ADSCs were induced to differentiate into the SCLCs,and the expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)and S100 calcium-binding protein β(S100β)protein in the ADSCs and SCLCs were detected by immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting methods.The DRG cells were isolated and cultured,and immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the βⅢ-tubulin expression in the DRG cells for identification.The SCLCs were co-cultured with the DRG cells(co-culture group),the single-culture DRG cells were regared as DRG group and toluidine blue staining was used to observe and measure the length of DRG cell processes under the optical microscope in co-culture group and DRG group.Small interfering RNA(siRNA)transfection was used to knock down NGF,and plasmid transfection was used to over-express NGF.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method was used to detect the NGF mRNA expression levels in the cells in various groups;enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)method was used to detect the NGF protein levels in the cell supernatants.The transfected SCLCs were co-cultured with DRG cells and divided into control group,siNC/vector group,NGF knockdown group(si-NGF group),and NGF over-expression group(oe-NGF group).The lengths of DRG cell processes in various groups were observed.Results:The primary ADSCs adhered within 24 h after seeding,with a small number of lipid droplets remaining.After 3 d of culture,the cells were mostly short spindle-shaped,fusiform,or polygonal,growing rapidly in a vortex pattern.After passaging,the cells exhibited a uniform morphology,appearing as long spindles arranged in a fish-school pattern.After 14 d of adipogenic induction,the cell morphology changed from spindle-shaped to flat-round,with translucent lipid droplets forming in the cytoplasm,which were stained red by Oil Red O.After 28 d of osteogenic induction,the cells appeared sand-like with blurred morphology,and calcified nodules were observed,which were stained red by Alizarin Red and deposited in the extracellular matrix.After 28 d of chondrogenic induction in a 3D culture system,millet-sized chondrogenic spheres formed.Frozen sections of the spheres were stained with Alcian Blue,and acidic mucopolysaccharides in the cartilage tissue were stained blue under the microscope.Under the fluorescence microscope,the third-passage purified ADSCs showed positive expression of CD29[fluorescein isothiocy anate(FITC)-labeled green fluorescence]and CD44(Cy3-labeled red fluorescence).The immunofluorescence staining results showed that GFAP was labeled with FITC(green fluorescence),and S100β was labeled with Cy3(red fluorescence).The Western blotting results showed that compared with ADSCs,the expression levels of S100β and GFAP proteins in the SCLCs were increased(P<0.05).The primary DRG cells began to adhere 6 h after conventional culture,and after 3 d,the cell bodies appeared round and bright,with two linear processes extending from them.Under fluorescence microscope,the cells positively expressed the neuron-specific marker βⅢ-tubulin,confirming that the isolated cells were DRG cells.Compared with the ADSCs,the NGF protein expression level in the SCLCs was increased(P<0.05).Compared with DRG group,the length of DRG cell processes in co-culture group was the highest when DRG cells and SCLCs were co-cultured at a 1∶2 ratio(P<0.05).The RT-qPCR results showed that compared with si-NC group,the expression levels of NGF mRNA in the cell supernatant in si-NGF-1,si-NGF-2,and si-NGF-3 groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05),with si-NGF-1 showing the highest knockdown efficiency,which was selected for subsequent experiments.The ELISA results showed that compared with si-NC group,the NGF levels in the cell supernatant of si-NGF-1,si-NGF-2,and si-NGF-3 groups were decreased(P<0.05).Compared with Vector group,the expression level of NGF mRNA and NGF protein level in the supernatant in oe-NGF group were increased(P<0.05).Compared with control group and siNC/vector group,the length of DRG cell processes in si-NGF group was decreased(P<0.05),while the length of DRG cell processes in oe-NGF group was increased(P<0.05).Conclusion:ADSCs can be directionally differentiated into SCLCs,and the differentiated cells highly express NGF.Knockdown or overexpression of NGF can affect the growth of DRG cell processes.
10.Protective effect of adipose-derived stem cells combined with acellular scaffolds on dorsal root ganglion in rats with sciatic nerve injury and its mechanism
Xiaomin YU ; Qinghua ZHU ; Yilun WANG ; Miao REN ; Zijia LIU ; Yongyi YU ; Yuanliang DU ; Donghui LIU ; Sen GUO ; Xiumei FU
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(6):1542-1550
Objective:To observe the effects of adipose-derived stem cells(ADSC)combined with acellular scaffold(AS)on the ultrastructure of dorsal root ganglion and the protein and mRNA expression levels of ciliary neurotrophic factor(CNTF),Janus kinase 2(JAK2),phosphorylated JAK2(p-JAK2),signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)and phosphorylated STAT3(p-STAT3)in the rats with sciatic nerve injury(SNI),and to clarify the protective effect of ADSC combined with AS on dorsal root ganglion in the SNI rats and its possible mechanism.Methods:The rat ADSCs were isolated and cultured and their multidirectional differentiation potential was detected.The AS of rats was prepared,and ADSCs were injected into the AS to construct tissue-engineered nerve.A total of 36 rats were randomly divided into control group,model group,AS group,and ADSC+AS group.The rats in control group were routinely fed,and the rats in other groups were used to establish the SNI models by resecting 10 mm of right sciatic nerve.The rats in model group received no further treatment,while the rats in AS group and ADSC+AS group were bridged with AS and the constructed tissue-engineered nerve at the two ends of the injured nerve,respectively.At 6 weeks after surgery,transmission electron microscope was used to observe the ultrastructure of dorsal root ganglion of the rats in various groups;immunofluorescence method was used to detect the protein expression levels of CNTF,p-JAK2,and p-STAT3 in dorsal root ganglion of the rats;real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of CNTF,JAK2,and STAT3 in dorsal root ganglion of the rats in various groups.Results:After 7 d of primary ADSC culture,a large number of large and long spindle-shaped cells were observed under the inverted microscope,arranged in clusters or whirlpools;red lipid droplets were observed with oil red O staining under microscope,and calcified nodules were observed with Alizarin red staining under microscope,indicating that the isolated and cultured cells had multidirectional differentiation ability.Compared with normal nerve tissue,the level of DNA in AS of rats was significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the nuclear membrane of dorsal root ganglion cells in model group was uneven and serrated,the number of organelles in the cytoplasm was decreased,mitochondria were swollen with broken or missing cristae and unclear structure;the CNTF protein and mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01),the p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein expression levels were significantly increased(P<0.01),and the JAK2 and STAT3 mRNA expression levels were significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with model group,the serrated change of nuclear membrane of the dorsal root ganglion cells in AS group was significantly alleviated,the number of organelles in the cytoplasm was increased,and mitochondrial swelling was reduced;in ADSC+AS group,the nuclear membrane of dorsal root ganglion cells tended to be intact,the number of organelles was increased,and mitochondrial swelling and vacuolization were significantly reduced;the CNTF protein and mRNA expression levels in the dorsal root ganglion in AS group and ADSC+AS group were significantly increased(P<0.01),the p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein expression levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the JAK2 and STAT3 mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with AS group,the CNTF protein and mRNA expression levels in ADSC+AS group were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),the p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein expression levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the JAK2 and STAT3 mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Conclusion:The application of ADSC combined with AS can improve the ultrastructure of dorsal root ganglion in the SNI rats,and the mechanism may be related to the increased CNTF expression and decreased activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in the dorsal root ganglion by ADSC combined with AS application.

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